Andy Johnson: Ease the West Brom load on Brandon Thomas-Asante

Last summer's recruit from League Two Salford regularly had to shoulder responsibility for goals alone due to two serious injuries to partner Daryl Dike.

And former midfielder Johnson, radio commentator with Albion, has sympathy for 24-year-old Thomas-Asante. Albion are understood to be in the market for forward additions.

"You've got Dike, bless him, I can't even begin to think how he feels," Johnson said the United States international Dike's latest significant injury lay-off. "It's been a nightmare for the lad, it really has, I hope he's keeping his spirits up. It must be very difficult.

"Especially with the sort of injuries he's had, he's not twisted his ankle, he's ripped muscles, his Achilles, horrendous long-term injuries, that's difficult being in the gym on your own when all the lads are outside. He won't have much of a summer, he'll be in rehab, trying to get fit.

"Which leaves Thomas-Asante, don't get me wrong I love the kid and think he's a fantastic breath of fresh air, talk about give everything and wear your heart on your sleeve. Some of the goals have been incredible.

"But at the same time when you play with one up front you can't ask him to do it week in week out for 90 minutes, it's physically impossible in the Championship."

Albion released Ken Zohore in January after the Danish frontman failed to break anywhere near the first team. Options beyond Thomas-Asante and Dike were limited for boss Carlos Corberan.

Ian Pearce, who last week became head of football operations, pointed to Thomas-Asante's £300,000 capture from the fourth tier as an example that players can progress through the divisions in the right environment.

"For me I think it's an area that needs addressing, who? I don't know," Johnson added. "If you look at the Championship historically, it sounds a bit silly but the ones with a good defence and that score goals get promoted.

"The midfield help with defending and creating, of course, but they are what get you promoted. You want a goalscorer, of course, someone around the 20 mark or 15, that's the return you want to put you in contention."